Chelsea will face African opposition for the very first time. Similarly, this'll be Espérance Sportive de Tunis' first encounter with a European team, despite this being their fifth FIFA Club World Cup appearance.
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea preview
This Tuesday night clash at Lincoln Financial Field is a straight shootout for qualification, something few would've predicted when the draw was made back on 5 December. Chelsea were very much expected to top Group D, further reinforcing this belief by beating LAFC 2-0 in their opener; Pedro Neto and then Enzo Fernández the scorers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Blues then led Flamengo 1-0 at half time in Philly on Friday, thereby on course to top the section with a game to spare.
Well, after that, it all fell apart for Enzo Maresca's team. Flamengo scored twice in just three minutes, before Nicolas Jackson was sent off by referee Iván Barton, mere moments after being introduced as a substitute, and then the Brazilian side scored again late on against an, at this stage, disheartened Chelsea side. This result means Flamengo are guaranteed to progress as Group D winners, with the Blues merely looking to hold onto second spot, thereby setting up a probably meeting with Bayern Munich in North Carolina in the round of 16 on Saturday.
Well, a point here would see Chelsea advance, but opponents Espérance Sportive de Tunis know that victory for them would see them progress at the Blues' expense. The Red and Yellows were forecast to be the section's whipping boys, a zeitgeist that continued after their 2-0 defeat to Flamengo.
However, on Friday, manager Maher Kanzari masterminded an historic 1-0 victory over LAFC in Music City. Star striker Youcef Belaïli was the only scorer 20 minutes from time, but the drama did not end there, with LAFC awarded a penalty in the tenth minute of injury time, only for Bechir Ben Saïd to pull off a jaw-dropping save. Thus, ES Tunis do remain below Chelsea on goal difference, but believe they can claim the win they need in Philadelphia to sneak through, thereby dumping Chelsea out.
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Espérance de Tunis team news
In a huge blow for Maher Kanzari's team, star striker and Friday's match-winner Youcef Belaïli is suspended, having been booked on Friday. How they'll score goals without him could be a massive problem.
Espérance de Tunis predicted lineup vs Chelsea: (4-3-3): Ben Saïd; Ben Ali, Amine Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Ogbelu, Guenichi, Mokwana, Sasse, Jabri; Rodrigues.
Espérance de Tunis player to watch vs Chelsea
Club captain Yassine Meriah ruptured his Anterior cruciate ligament in late-November, only just returning in time for this tournament, but has started both games so far, and will be key to their chances here too.
Chelsea team news
Nicolas Jackson's red card four days ago means he is suspended. Enzo Maresca rotated his lineup against Flamengo, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Enzo Fernández and new signing Liam Delap coming into the XI, something the manager perhaps regrets.
Well, with Jackson banned, Delap will once again be leading the line, while Roméo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo could rekindle their partnership at the base of midfield. Aarón Anselmino and Andrey Santos are still awaiting their debuts, having been unused substitutes for both fixtures so far.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Espérance de Tunis: (4-3-3): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Delap.
Chelsea player to watch vs Espérance de Tunis
Cole Palmer has scored just one goal since 14 January, this a penalty against Liverpool last month, so can he rediscover his best form and fire Chelsea to victory in Philly?
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea prediction
We are fully expecting Chelsea to get the job done in Pennsylvania, simply proving too strong for Espérance de Tunis, setting up a huge last 16 tie this weekend: Espérance de Tunis 0-2 Chelsea.
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 5 and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: My5 and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea takes place on Tuesday 24 June 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).